Scrappage was a beneficial time for Hyundai, it brought the Korean manufacturer broadly into view for the first time. Imports for the company trebled as it rushed to meet demand for its cars.

Once the Government incentive ended and Hyundai's place in the European mainstream market was assured, it introduced the market to its new design language, "fluidic sculpture". This was to be the blueprint for future models and the first to wear it was the replacement for the aging Tucson – the ix35.

That was two years ago, and since that day Hyundai has applied that design to models across its ever-growing range. Proof that buyers are taking to the Korean company can be seen in the expansion of its dealership across the country. In the past year, a further 29 showrooms have opened nationwide, including the recently unveiled Sturgess dealership on Aylestone Road, in the city, and a further one in Anstey.

The ix35 is not so much Hyundai throwing all its eggs in one basket, but more of a seeing how many different eggs it is possible to fit in said basket. The press gubbins on the "ix" explains at some length the various hats one can wear behind the wheel. With its coupé looks, SUV styling and even MPV practicality, you're sure to be well catered for should you opt for this crossover. And they may have a point.

It's a looker, make no mistake. A rakish roofline, sweeping bonnet and multiple creases pressed into the sheet certainly give the ix a dynamic appearance.

And, with a footprint no bigger than a conventional hatchback – think Ford Focus – it's certainly not an overbearing car to drive.

Seated in the cabin the view all around is very reassuring, the wing mirrors are ample and the height-adjustable seats offer a lofty position from which to drive. The cabin itself reflects the exterior with an abundance of interesting shapes and colour contrasts.

The now obligatory starter button sits just left of what is one of the better looking steering wheels available on any mainstream car.

There is a definite hint of Lexus about it and that's no bad thing. In fact, across the cabin there hints of a premium about the ix, but they are tempered by the occasional use of cheaper materials lower down.

Those points that do come into regular contact with human hands – door linings, switchgear, stereo and climate control dials all feel suitably tactile.

A distinctive X-shaped centre console, with neat metallic silver accents and black gloss detailing on the dash finish off the cabin. Hyundai says buyers can expect this theme to appear in other models as new cars arrive.

The instrument binnacle features a deep twin-dial layout with clear and simple graphics, while a trip computer display amid the two offers a wide selection of information including average fuel consumption, distance to empty, and exterior temperature.

Two versions and three engines are available. The base model is the 1.6 GDi (petrol) Style, priced at £16,995. Levels of equipment even at this level are surprising.

For example, heated seats and not just for those up front, back seat passengers can also benefit from a warm behind. Other features at this level include ESP, air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED-type side repeaters, leather steering wheel and gear stick, and reverse parking sensors.

Priced from £19,845 the 1.7-litre diesel version on test here adds a double-length panoramic glass sunroof, automatic headlights, chrome door handles, chrome interior trim, cruise control, dual zone climate control with humidity sensor and Ioniser, electric folding door mirrors, front windscreen wiper de-icer, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, part-leather upholstery and roof rails, plus optional leather seats, touch-screen sat-nav and a reversing camera.

The boot's pretty big, too.

The 1.7-litre is the smaller of the two diesels available – the other being a two-litre version. Married to a six-speed manual box it offers a decent mix of economy and performance.

Unlike many diesels, there's no massive shove of torque when hurrying the ix along, but progress is good enough and 60mph is dispatched in under 13 seconds. Press on and more than 100mph is possible.

But it's the economy figures that should prove to be the main attraction for ix35 buyers. Here the diesel excels, returning official combined figures of close to 49mpg. It should be noted that despite its SUV appearance this particular version of the ix is in fact a 2WD. For those who may wander off the beaten track occasionally a 4WD is available, but the larger 2.0-litre diesel is required.

Nissan for a long time had this market pretty much sewn up with its Qashqai, and Mitsubishi tried its luck with the ASX. But sales figures for the ix35 suggest buyers like it. A combination of high levels of equipment, pricing and of course the five-year warranty are sure win admirers, maybe at last Nissan has a competitor.